The mental aspect of athletic performance has been studied extensively over the years and experts used to promote mental power as a way to close out negative thoughts and ensure competitive success, but that position is now outdated. “Rather than trying to control your thoughts, mindfulness helps you choose how to react to those thoughts,” suggests meditation expert Jamie Price, co-founder of Stop, Breathe & Think, an app that promotes mindful meditation.
Price points to several studies that link this practice to athletic success, including one published in the journal Behavior Therapy wherein mindfulness techniques led to a significant reduction in distracting thoughts and worries, as well as an increase in the athlete’s enjoyment, training intensity and overall performance.